Which Programming Languages Were Used to Create SAS?

Introduction

Statistical Analysis System (SAS) is a software suite widely used for data analysis, data management, and business intelligence. Over the years, SAS has undergone a significant transformation from its initial coding languages to the technology stack it uses today. While it's now often referred to as 'SAAS' (Software as a Service), the creation and evolution of SAS have involved several programming languages, primarily PL/I, Fortran, and C. This article explores the historical context and programming languages used in the development of SAS.

The Early Days: PL/I and Fortran

SAS was first developed in the early 1970s by Michael Franklin and James Goodnight. In its early stages, the programming languages PL/I and Fortran were used to create the initial versions of SAS. PL/I is a high-level programming language designed for scientific and engineering applications, which made it suitable for statistical computations. Fortran, another powerful language for scientific computing, was also used due to its flexibility and efficiency in handling mathematical operations. These languages were chosen for their strong support in handling complex mathematical and statistical tasks, which were crucial for the early development of SAS.

The Shift to C: 1985 and Beyond

By the mid-1980s, the technology landscape was changing, and functionally, simpler languages became more popular for large-scale applications. In 1985, SAS made the transition from Fortran to C, a more modern language that provided greater flexibility, performance, and ease of development. C allowed SAS to adopt more robust and efficient coding practices, which were essential for developing a comprehensive data analysis platform. The shift to C was a significant milestone as it positioned SAS to meet the evolving needs of its users, including better performance and compatibility with other software tools.

Current Developments: SAS as SAAS

Today, SAS is often referred to as 'SAAS' or Software as a Service, emphasizing its cloud-based capabilities. While the core functionality remains the same, SAS now operates in a different technological environment, leveraging modern cloud infrastructure and scalable services. The transition to SAAS has opened up new possibilities for SAS, including better scalability, accessibility, and user experience. However, it's important to note that the term 'SAAS' is a marketing term, and what SAS really means is a software product that leverages cloud services to provide its features.

Alternatives for Building SAAS Applications: Ruby on Rails

While SAS is a powerful tool for data analysis and business intelligence, there are other frameworks and technologies suitable for building SAAS applications. Ruby on Rails, for instance, is a popular choice for developers looking to create scalable SAAS applications. Ruby on Rails is a web application framework for the Ruby programming language, designed to make building dynamic, robust web applications faster and easier. It is known for its 'convention over configuration' principle, which promotes efficient and straightforward coding.

Conclusion

From its early days using PL/I and Fortran to its transition to C and the current SAAS model, SAS has evolved significantly over the years. The choice of programming languages at each stage played a crucial role in shaping the tool's capabilities and its place in the tech industry. Today, while SAS remains a powerful and widely used tool, there are various alternatives available for building SAAS applications, such as Ruby on Rails. Regardless of the choice, the focus remains on providing robust, scalable, and efficient solutions for data analysis and management.